About the birding site:
Kachore Hills, located on 90 feet road in Thakurli, offers a serene escape from bustling city life. These lush green hills are known for their scenic beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and peaceful atmosphere. The small hillock acts as a wintering ground for many winter migrants like pipits, buntings, chat species, rock thrush and warblers. If you’re a bird photography enthusiast, you’ll find this region particularly rewarding.
What to Expect?
Grey necked bunting, Broiwn Rock chat, Blue rock thrust, Tawny Pipit, Tree Pipit, Shaheen Falcon and other resident species.
Group Size: 20
Itinerary: 13 Oct 2024
Meet Jungle Buddies Expert Mr Prathamesh Desai at the base of Kachore Hills by 7.30 AM.
Birding in and around hills as we trek up (easy grade climb) the small hillock.
End the tour with a group picture and happy memories with Jungle Buddies.
Pricing: Free Entry
Nearest railway station: Thakurli Station (Central Line – Railways)
How to reach Kachore Hills: Take a private Auto or an Ola/Uber service to the Kachore Hills from Thakurli Station East. It is advised to get down at the Kalyan end side bridge. Walking distance from Thakurli station is 20 minutes.
Group Size: 20 Participants
How to Register: Click on Join Our Tours Tabs on 5th Oct 2024
Nestled in the historic Vasai-Virar (VIVA) region of Mumbai lies a hidden gem for avid bird enthusiasts. This breathtaking region boasts a rich historical tapestry dating back to the Portuguese colonial era, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate not only cultural heritage but also a remarkable diversity of birdlife.
The Vasai-Virar region offers a unique tapestry of habitats for birdwatchers to explore. From the serene shores of Arnala Beach to the expansive Viva Wetlands & shrublands to the lush evergreen forest of Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, this region showcases diverse ecosystems that attract a wide variety of avian species.
The shoreline of Arnala Beach serves as a vital stopover point for migratory birds, offering a temporary haven as they journey across continents. These wetlands are teeming with avian life, from elegant herons to jacanas in freshwater wetlands to sandpipers, plovers, oystercatchers, gulls & terns across the seashore gracefully traversing the waters. If you’re a bird photography enthusiast, you’ll find this region particularly rewarding.
Nearest Train station: Virar
Target species expected: Large number of waders like sandpipers, plovers, oystercatchers, gulls & terns.
Pricing: 600/-
Group Size: 5 Participants + 1 Leader
Itinerary: 13 October 2024 – Sunday
Itinerary: Meet Jungle Buddies Expert Mr Ramesh Shenai near Mamachi Wadi resort by 7.30 AM – Birding across the shoreline till 10 AM – End the tour with a group picture and happy memories with Jungle Buddies.
Nearest railway station: Virar Station
How to reach Arnala Beach (Mamachiwadi Resort): Take a private Auto or an Ola/Uber service to the resort. Public transportation like Buses are available, but only till JyotiMata Church stop, a walk of 20 minutes after the church you will reach the meeting destination.
How to Register: Click on Join Our Tours Tabs on 6 October 2024
About: Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary, nestled 90 km northeast of Mumbai, finds its home in the foothills of the Sahyadris, a part of the Western Ghats. It spans across Wada, Shahapur, and Mokhada talukas within the Thane district. The sanctuary derives its name from the Tansa River, which gracefully divides it into two distinct parts. It serves as the primary catchment area for Tansa Lake, encompassing the surrounding forests of Khardi, Vaitarna, Wada, and Shahapur ranges. Tansa Dam is Mumbaikar’s source of water.
The sanctuary’s terrain predominantly features hills, with Suryamal Hill in Palghar district to the northeast and Mahuli Hill in Thane district at its southern extremity. Notably, in 1986, local tribals and Forest Department personnel reported two tiger sightings near Suryamal, underscoring the sanctuary’s ecological significance. The Tansa forest, an integral part of the northern Western Ghats, stands as a treasure trove of biodiversity, with the towering Teak Tectona grandis as its dominant tree species. Notably, this sanctuary is home to the elusive Forest Owlet, a species that has eluded discovery for over seven decades. Previously considered extinct, it was later found in the Melghat tiger reserve in the late 1990s. In Tansa, this remarkable bird debuted in 2014, offering birdwatchers a unique opportunity to photograph this enigmatic species.
Nearest Train station: Atgaon
Target species expected: Apart from Forest owlet, the Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary hosts approximately 280 bird species, including uncommon migratory ducks such as the Tufted Duck, Common Pochard, and Eurasian Wigeon, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. Furthermore, Tansa provides an ideal setting for capturing images of the Malabar Trogon, White-naped Woodpecker, Western crowned Warbler, Vigor’s Sunbird and Jungle Owlet, adding to its allure as a remarkable destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
Pricing: INR 1800/-
Group Size: 5 Participants + 1 Leader
Itinerary: 20 October 2024
Meet Jungle Buddies Expert Mr Milind Ganatra at Atgaon Station West by 6.30 AM.
Drive to Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary. (Drive time 30-40 mins)
Birding in the Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary – End the session with a group selfie around 10-11 AM
Group Size: 5 Participants + 1 Leader
Suggested Travel Mode to Tansa would be Local Train – 4.19 AM Kasara Slow local starting at CSMT.
How to Register: Click on the Join Our Tours Tab on 13 October at 9 PM
About: Nestled in the heart of the bustling Mumbai Metropolitan Region, the Karnala Bird Sanctuary stands as a serene testament to the city’s rich biodiversity. It is one of the three wildlife sanctuaries, along with Tansa and Tunagreshwar, located in close proximity to Mumbai city. Spread across 12.11 sq km of lush green landscape, Karnala is a haven for birdwatchers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking solace in the lap of nature. With over 240 species of birds, including the elusive Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Malabar Parakeets, and Indian Pitta, the sanctuary offers a remarkable opportunity to witness Mumbai’s avian wonders up close. Whether you’re an avid birder or a novice, the melodious calls of residents and migratory birds will enchant you as you explore its picturesque trails. The sanctuary is centred around the historic Karnala Fort, which stands at an elevation of around 1400 feet.
Birding in the sanctuary: One can explore the various trails in sanctuary’s, such as the Hariyal Trail, Mortaka Trail, Tadamba Trail, and more, you’ll be surrounded by a mix of dry deciduous and semi-evergreen trees. The forest’s diverse flora and fauna offer an exceptional birding experience that is sure to delight nature lovers of all levels.
Nearest Train station: Panvel
Target species expected: Endemic birds like Malabar Parakeets, Grey Fronted Green Pigeons, and Crimson Backed Sunbirds can be seen here. Other birds like Heart Spotted Woodpecker, Lesser Flameback, Yellow Crowned and Brown Capped Pygmy Woodpecker, Greater Racket Tailed and Bronzed Drongo are found as well. All 5 species of Sunbirds found in our region can be seen here. Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher, Indian Pitta and Slaty Legged Crake nest in the forests of Karnala.
Pricing: INR 700/-
Group Size: 6 Participants + 1 Leader
Itinerary: 27 October 2024
Meet Jungle Buddies Expert Mr Rajesh Poojari at the Karnala Entry Gate Ticket Counter by 7.00 AM
Birding in Karnala Bird Sanctuary, exploring the famous Hariyal trail and Mortaka trail
Suggested Travel Mode: Hire a private vehicle to Karnala or Private autos are available from Panvel station to Karnala and back.
How to Register: Click on the Join Our Tours Tab on 20 October at 9 PM